- Medexus Pharmaceuticals has secured exclusive Canadian rights to commercialize UM171 Cell Therapy, known as Zemcelpro in Europe, through a licensing and supply agreement with ExCellThera and its subsidiary, Cordex Biologics.
- Zemcelpro is an advanced hematopoietic stem cell transplantation product designed for patients with blood cancers such as leukemia and myelodysplasia, using UM171-expanded stem cells derived from a single cord blood unit.
- The therapy recently received conditional marketing authorization in Europe and is based on UM171 technology discovered and developed by scientists at the Université de Montréal, highlighting its Canadian origins.
- Medexus plans to pursue Health Canada approval and expects commercialization could begin as early as 2028, while eligible patients may potentially access the therapy through Health Canada’s Special Access Program before approval.
Takeaways:
UM171 was discovered at Université de Montréal, so this deal keeps a Canadian‑origin innovation tied to a Canadian commercial partner, aligning with domestic priorities around life‑sciences growth and access to advanced cell therapies.
If approved, UM171 Cell Therapy could expand transplant options and improve outcomes for high‑risk leukemia/MDS patients without matched donors, building on emerging real‑world and clinical data showing UM171‑expanded cord blood can deliver outcomes comparable or superior to other graft sources.
Source: Medexus
